SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - The Host Society of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013 proudly announces, loudly and clearly, "Mission accomplished!" as the largest multi-sport competition in the country draws to a close on a very high note. To live memorable Games that would leave their mark on the history of the region, Quebec, and Canada—the Sherbrooke 2013 extended family truly lived up to the challenge.
From August 2 to 17, 6329 volunteers, 14 897 participants including 3400 athletes and 150 sponsors contributed to the success of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013. The words that are on everyone's lips: THANK YOU! "To offer Canadians very high quality Games we focused on cooperation. The cooperation of enthusiastic public and private partners. Cooperation that was complemented by the outstanding involvement of 6329 volunteers. There is no limit to what can be accomplished when we combine our strengths, talents, and ambitions. It has been a great privilege for me to be part of this incredible adventure," expressed Monique F. Leroux, President of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013 and President and CEO of the Desjardins Group.
"What an amazing two weeks of competition this has been. The country's best young athletes gathered in Sherbrooke and put on a spectacular show," said Tom Quinn, Chairman of the Canada Games Council. "On behalf of the Canada Games Council, our most sincere congratulations to the 2013 Host Society for doing an excellent job of hosting these Games. Your hard work and dedication in preparing for these Games over the past few years have certainly produced fantastic results; the Games have been an incredible experience for both athletes and spectators. Our thanks go to every single volunteer. Without their support, we would not have been able to hold this prestigious multi-sport event. "
The Chair of the Board and Executive Committee of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013 had a special message for the athletes: "I hope you will continue to develop your skills, and keep in mind your personal victories and lessons learned at these Canada Games. The people you met, the friends you made, and your achievements here will follow you throughout your journey, as you experience many other challenges and achieve your dreams in the years ahead," said Tom Allen.
"During my attendance at the Sherbrooke Canada Games, I witnessed many great performances and accomplishments by all who competed at this wonderful celebration of Canadian sport," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "First, a special thank you and congratulations to the Sherbrooke 2013 Canada Summer Games Host Society and its team of dedicated volunteers. Canada is a great sporting nation and to all the athletes and coaches here in Sherbrooke, you made us proud! Along with all Canadians, I look forward to watching you all as you reach for your highest potential in the coming years. Congratulations to all!"
Minister of Education, Recreation, and Sports, Marie Malavoy, added: "The performances of these young people have shown the scope of their talent and their passion for their discipline. Their achievements have been cause for pride and emotion. I congratulate these athletes from the bottom of my heart; they are sources of inspiration and models of courage, determination, and success for young people and all Quebecers. May these Games give them the confidence and energy needed as they strive for excellence."
Mayor of Sherbrooke, Bernard Sévigny, highlighted the significance of the sports legacy that the Games are leaving for the community. "More than $19.4 million has been invested in sport infrastructure, and one of the biggest legacies for the regional sport community is, without a doubt, the creation of a one-million-dollar fund devoted to sport development among our young people." Mr. Sévigny warmly thanked all of the financial partners in this regard: "We are extremely thankful for our partners' generous contributions, not only to the Games but also to the future of sports in Sherbrooke."
The Host Society of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013 has made its mark with many innovations and successes, including the event's recognition as sustainable, fair-trade, and carbon care Games, the establishment of an Office of the Ombudsman for volunteers, and free admission to Closing Ceremonies for everyone, thanks to the contribution from BRP. Participants, visitors, and the public are all invited to attend the Ceremony, which will take place at 8:30 p.m. in Sherbrooke's Parc Jacques-Cartier.
During the Closing Ceremony, the Canada Games Council will reveal the provincial or territorial winners of the Canada Games Flag and the Centennial Cup. The winner of the Jack Pelech Award, presented by the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council to the provincial or territorial team whose participants best combine performance and good sportsmanship, is Nova Scotia. The Claude Hardy Award, presented in recognition of a provincial or territorial team in recognition of leadership, cooperation, integrity, and esprit de corps is awarded to British Columbia.
"Best of luck to the organizing committee of the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George. Now, it's time to celebrate!" concluded Tom Allen.
| Volunteer Statistics As of July 24, 2013 |
|
| Percentage by: | |
| Gender | |
| Female | 57% |
| Male | 43% |
| Age | |
| Under the age of 14 | 8% |
| 14 to 17 | 16% |
| 18 to 24 | 16% |
| 25 to 44 | 24% |
| 45 to 64 | 28% |
| 65 and over | 8% |
| Geography | |
| Sherbrooke region (+/-45 min.) | 85% |
| More than 45 min. from Sherbrooke | 15% |
| Total | |
| Number of volunteers | 6329 |
| Estimated total number of volunteer hours: 151 896 hours* | |
| *This number is calculated based on an average of 24 hours/volunteer | |
SOURCE: Canada Games Council
Geneviève St-Denis
Manager - Communications Service, Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013
Cell: 819-212-5925 - [email protected]
Share this article